Cheers to Chicago’s Best Cinco de Mayo Celebrations
May in Chicago is a month full of seemingly endless festivals and fun - and we are here for it! Kicking off one of the best months in the city are Cinco de Mayo celebrations, which are happening throughout this week. The annual celebration that honors Mexican culture and heritage is the perfect time to dig into some of our favorite Mexican cuisine in the city. With deals on cocktails, tacos and so much more, you won’t want to be caught sitting at home on this fun-filled holiday.
Asadito {30 North Clinton Street, Chicago; 312.929.2657}
If you like tacos and you LOVE tequila, you need to head to Asadito, a taqueria and tequila bar, with everything from tacos and burritos to chips and dip, as well as an array of cocktails to choose from. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo here with the Birria Dip Torta with guacamole, cucumber pico de gallo, queso fresco, and poblano peppers! Pair it with a “Life’s a Beach” cocktail made of mezcal, blanco tequila, luxardo maraschino, ancho reyes chili liquor, passionfruit, pineapple and lime.
Tuco & Blondie {3358 North Southport Avenue, Chicago; 773.327.8226}
While you and your friends are shopping and walking around the Southport corridor in Lakeview, check out Tuco and Blondie. Start your meal off with one of their amazing margarita pitchers, with flavors including avocado, black cherry, mango, passion fruit, and prickly pear (mango and prickly pair are my favorite). Once you’ve sipped on your drink, order the Shrimp Tacos filled with grilled achiote shrimp, cabbage, pineapple pico and habanero salsa. Finish off your meal by ordering some Churros with a side of chocolate sauce for the table.
TallBoy Taco {676 North St. Clair Street, Chicago; 312.584.3192}
Sometimes the best part about a holiday is having a party at home with your favorite people. If you don’t feel like making an excursion out of the house, order a taco bar to-go from Tall Boy Taco (check out all the goodness above!). Made with all fresh ingredients, you can order the kits with your choice of protein, an assortment of toppings, hand-made corn and flour tortillas, tortilla chips, corn fundido, guacamole and Cinnamon Toast Crunch treats. Don’t forget to add the Casamigos Margarita Kit for extra fun!
Pilot Project Brewing {2140 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago; 773.270.5995}
Pilot Project is pulling out all the stops this Cinco de Mayo as they feature a brand new cocktail menu. New drinks include sips from ROVM Hard Kombucha like the “Boocharita,” made with ROVM Passion Fruit Citrus Hard Kombucha, lime juice, orange juice, agave nectar and topped with salt on the rim. There’s also “Booch on the Beach'' made with ROVM Hibiscus Berry Hard Kombucha, cranberry juice, orange juice and vanilla simple syrup, plus plenty more!
Velvet Taco {Multiple Locations}
There’s no better way to celebrate this holiday than with some of the best tacos in the city. From May 4-10 Velvet Taco will be promoting a new taco for their weekly feature. This specialty is the Steak Milanese Taco, which will feature breaded steak, avocado, red chile aioli, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo crema, and pickled fresnos in a flour tortilla. Velvet Taco will also be hosting a giveaway on their Instagram, which will give three lucky taco lovers the opportunity to receive a Gallon Kick Ass Margarita and a Velvet Taco Party Pack (a 24 count taco box with 3 different types of tacos, Elote Corn, Red Curry Coconut Queso or Queso Blanco & Chips and Red Velvet Cake). Those winners will be lucky indeed!
Federales {180 North Morgan Street, Chicago; 773.831.9696}
Everyone knows Federales for their famous ice shots and bell, but they also have really fantastic food and great drinks. Whenever you’re going to Federales, you’re bound to have a great time! After you down a few shots of tequila or a few sips of their Spicy Watermelon Margarita, nibble on guacamole while you wait for your entree. Our dinner picks are either the Vegan Chorizo tacos with chorizo-spiced plant based protein or the Brisket Burrito made with smoked brisket, Mexican rice, beans, queso, chihuahua cheese, pico, pickled red onion, sour cream and salsa roja.
Barrio {65 West Kinzie Street, Chicago; 312.940.9900}
This downtown eatery is the perfect balance of classic Mexican with a modern twist. Head out of the office on Cinco de Mayo and bring your friends (and pups) to Barrio. If you are tired of the same old thing at Mexican spots, try the Grilled Lobster Quesadilla or the Tuna Ceviche Tacos made with pineapple, avocado, red onion, serrano, honey soy sauce and lime, served in a crispy wonton shell. You’ll be releaxed in no time!
By Madison Freeman, Special Correspondent